Today, I have the honor of sharing with you a touching tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, to our nation, and to our legacy of freedom. 

 I was visited recently by a gentleman from my hometown, Leo Smith.  Leo is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and works as a safety manager at a plant in Hope, Arkansas.  In his profession, he is concerned with protecting the lives of his coworkers, but after September 11th, he was concerned with the lives of many more. 

We have all chosen our own method to deal with the tragedy of the attacks on our nation. Leo chose to express his anger, helplessness, and also his pride through a poem entitled “Let Freedom Ring.” Leo thoughtfully presented me a copy of this poem, and I was very moved upon reading it. 

In his poem, Leo recognizes that “the land of the free will never be the same again, not for you or for me.”  The poem identifies the transformation of our country, the loss, but also the gain of something new.  Leo knew that the attacks signified the start of a war to defend freedom, but the sudden display of patriotism, the tribute to those who have died throughout our nation’s history to defend that nation, in his own words, “Let me know the battle has already been won.”

It is with pride and gratitude that I share with you and submit to the Congressional Record Leo Smith’s poetic eulogy to the victims of the attacks.  His words lament the loss we all felt that day, but express the hope that soon followed.  As he puts it, 

 What will happen next?
 The answer to this only God knows.
 But on that Tuesday, September 11th,
 Was born a new breed of heroes.